Preview — Aunt Dimity's Good Deed
by Nancy Atherton

Nancy Atherton's growing number of fans will certainly be delighted by Aunt Dimity's latest appearance in the honey-colored English cottage she bequeathed to her "niece," Lori Shepherd. Thanks to Aunt Dimity, Lori's life has taken on fairy-tale proportions: she's financially set for life and happily married or so she thinks. When Lori's plans for a second honeymoon to EnglNancy Atherton's growing number of fans will certainly be delighted by Aunt Dimity's latest appearance in the honey-colored English cottage she bequeathed to her "niece," Lori Shepherd. Thanks to Aunt Dimity, Lori's life has taken on fairy-tale proportions: she's financially set for life and happily married or so she thinks. When Lori's plans for a second honeymoon to England with her workaholic husband fall through, she begrudgingly takes along her father-in-law who promptly disappears, leaving behind a mysterious note. Inspired and guided by the ghost of Aunt Dimity and her inimitable blue journal, Lori's search for the elderly gentleman turns into a harrowing mission to uncover a centuries-old family secret complicated by mistaken identities, falsified deeds, family feuds, and Lori's unseemly attraction to her husband's beguiling English cousin. In a delightful chase that takes her all over the English countryside, Lori discovers the true meaning of marital bliss, and Nancy Atherton's fans, new and old, will savor a masterpiece of old-fashioned fun....more

Community Reviews

What the British call "a bit of fluff," and wonderful for all that. A light-hearted, curious mystery without imminent danger, death-filled intrigue, or nation-crushing manipulations. The idea of having something akin to a guardian angel, one who communicates by means of having writing appear on the pages of a bound journal, is more comforting than anything else; in Atherton's skilled narratives, it's an absolute delight. This is no mere snack; it's Fortnum and Mason's finest tea, with crustlessWhat the British call "a bit of fluff," and wonderful for all that. A light-hearted, curious mystery without imminent danger, death-filled intrigue, or nation-crushing manipulations. The idea of having something akin to a guardian angel, one who communicates by means of having writing appear on the pages of a bound journal, is more comforting than anything else; in Atherton's skilled narratives, it's an absolute delight. This is no mere snack; it's Fortnum and Mason's finest tea, with crustless sandwiches and a three-tiered tray of the best freshly-baked butterscotch brownies... and there's a recipe for that last in the back of the book (the brownies are a plot point). Bon appetit....more

Another good Aunt Dimity mystery. Even though Aunt Dimity has gone on, but not too far or permanently, she is still there for Lori. Lori is feeling sadly neglected and suspects Bill is having doubts about having married her. His awful aunts are very disapproving of her not being pregnant yet and cause her trouble about it. After all, their match-making was ended by Bill marrying her. They were frustrated in their desire to have a Boston high society wedding. Lori had arranged a second honeymoonAnother good Aunt Dimity mystery. Even though Aunt Dimity has gone on, but not too far or permanently, she is still there for Lori. Lori is feeling sadly neglected and suspects Bill is having doubts about having married her. His awful aunts are very disapproving of her not being pregnant yet and cause her trouble about it. After all, their match-making was ended by Bill marrying her. They were frustrated in their desire to have a Boston high society wedding. Lori had arranged a second honeymoon in England for her and Bill, but he is about to settle a fuss that's been going on for years in the Biddiford family - they asked for him especially. So, she goes with her father-in-law, William. After their arrival, she goes over to see Emma. Nell, Emma's stepdaughter goes to play a game of chess with Bill and discovers him gone - missing. He leaves a cryptic note that is totally confusing and Aunt Dimity has also left a note saying she is smuggling herself and Reginald, Lori's old pink flannel bunny, into his suitcase and Lori MUST come after them and stop him because he's stirring up a 300-year-old family fuss. And it's better to let sleeping dogs lie, isn't it?...more

Nancy Atherton has become a cherished go-to author. I savour her, though she is here in our lifetime, going strong. You know how some actors host ‘The Academy Awards’ and aren’t entertaining, then Billy Crystal arrives and the room communally sighs in relief? We know everything he utters will be hilarious and unquestioningly let him take over? Nancy Atherton is like that. I ingest other authors and genres but when I just want to read a frigging good book, I turn to her. Every line is interestingNancy Atherton has become a cherished go-to author. I savour her, though she is here in our lifetime, going strong. You know how some actors host ‘The Academy Awards’ and aren’t entertaining, then Billy Crystal arrives and the room communally sighs in relief? We know everything he utters will be hilarious and unquestioningly let him take over? Nancy Atherton is like that. I ingest other authors and genres but when I just want to read a frigging good book, I turn to her. Every line is interesting, astute, observations made in vividly unique angles, and the impeccable grammar is stupendously well put. Everything about these pages is a discovery and a treat, well beyond the paranormal-tinged mystery woven for us!

Because of Nancy’s daring in volume II, to deviate from Lori and build Emma’s character six years ahead of volume I; we pick up on both Finch couples now and know them intimately. It bodes well for stepdaughter Nell, who rides with Lori in search of her cryptic and adventurous father-in-law, after he leaves her cottage and she fears trouble. A peculiar child ahead of her years in volume II, Nell is now a gorgeous pre-teen whose inventive ideas and charm get them through sticky moments on their chase across England. We too are compelled by Nell and although we’re thrilled to see Lori, Bill and Willis Senior again, it is she who really makes this novel.

We reprise Lori & Bill in love, with clarity about changes that are needed; such as excessive absence from Finch and each other. A pinprick in perfection is relatable. We simultaneously investigate a centuries gap between the Boston, USA lawyers with their overseas cousins. The English Willises are charismatic and loveable too, so I’m thrilled we’ll continue seeing them a great deal....more

Lori has not heard from her (dead) Aunt Dimity for two years; since Lori and Bill got married and went back to the States. But that marriage is having some problems – Bill’s aunts keep harassing Lori about the fact that she’s not pregnant yet, and Bill has been burying himself in work and emotionally pulling away from Lori. So she convinces him they need a second honeymoon at the lovely, magical English cottage she inherited from Aunt Dimity. When it’s time to leave, Bill has a work emergency, aLori has not heard from her (dead) Aunt Dimity for two years; since Lori and Bill got married and went back to the States. But that marriage is having some problems – Bill’s aunts keep harassing Lori about the fact that she’s not pregnant yet, and Bill has been burying himself in work and emotionally pulling away from Lori. So she convinces him they need a second honeymoon at the lovely, magical English cottage she inherited from Aunt Dimity. When it’s time to leave, Bill has a work emergency, and Lori goes off on her 2nd honeymoon with her father-in-law! Shortly after they arrive, father-in-law William disappears on a mysterious errand, leaving a very cryptic note behind, and Dimity leaves her own note, saying that she and Reginald the Bunny are traveling with him. Lori is convinced that this has something to do with the British branch of the Willis family, so what else can she do but try to track him down?! Off she goes in pursuit, with 12-year-old Nell and Bertie the Bear as her companions and assistants. Nell is an absolute delight, with a creative, inventive, and devious mind! We meet all the British relatives, and Lori seems to be always an hour or two late in catching up to William, who turns out to be pretty devious himself. Dimity does her part to keep Lori on track, but where is Bill?! Never fear – this marriage was meant to be!...more

This is the 3rd book in the Aunt Dimity series that I've read. Overall, I enjoy the series but liked book two the best so far as it had more of a mystery. I enjoy cozies and read them to relax and escape, which I can do with these books. Book three, frankly, became a bit tiresome chasing around after William, Sr for most of the book. I do enjoy the characters. Nell and Bertie are particularly charming and although I understand that the stuffed animals are a connection to Aunt Dimity, it is a litThis is the 3rd book in the Aunt Dimity series that I've read. Overall, I enjoy the series but liked book two the best so far as it had more of a mystery. I enjoy cozies and read them to relax and escape, which I can do with these books. Book three, frankly, became a bit tiresome chasing around after William, Sr for most of the book. I do enjoy the characters. Nell and Bertie are particularly charming and although I understand that the stuffed animals are a connection to Aunt Dimity, it is a little odd when a third character, an adult, turns up with a stuffed giraffe he talks to.

I'm hoping the series improves with more character development and a good mystery to solve....more

I always start reading Atherton with apprehension that she cant be that good again, and luckily im surprised positively each and every time...she is good...if one is sick and tired of this f...ed up world that surrounds us with crazy people in it, one must read something good for the soul...Atherton is just that...

Lori Shepherd has been married for two years to Bill Willis, the hard-working, kindly lawyer she first met in Aunt Dimity's Death, and she’s dissatisfied: dissatisfied with the way her workaholic husband neglects her, with her infertility, with her boring life.

Lori’s hoping that a second honeymoon will spice up her marriage; however, instead of heading to England with Bill, she’s forced to go with her father-in-law William when Bill has to stay behind for work. Once in the English countryside,Lori Shepherd has been married for two years to Bill Willis, the hard-working, kindly lawyer she first met in Aunt Dimity's Death, and she’s dissatisfied: dissatisfied with the way her workaholic husband neglects her, with her infertility, with her boring life.

Lori’s hoping that a second honeymoon will spice up her marriage; however, instead of heading to England with Bill, she’s forced to go with her father-in-law William when Bill has to stay behind for work. Once in the English countryside, William hares off without telling anyone, and Lori, accompanied by the young daughter of a friend, heads out to track the wayward William Willis down. In the process and with the help of the ghost of Aunt Dimity, Lori meets the English branch of the Willis family and rights a 300-year-old injustice.

Lori’s always had a propensity to whine, but she really way to the tendency in Aunt Dimity’s Death. I very nearly abandoned this mystery because of my annoyance at her. “Grow up!” I wanted to yell at her. “Considering your Cinderella story, you don’t have a right to gripe!” Goodness! Lori met the man of her dreams and has risen to a privileged life due to paranormal intervention, and she thinks it’s not enough? She’s a frigging idiot! Sure, Aunt Dimity encourages Lori to keep on wishing, but Lori really does take things too far.

As in Aunt Dimity’s Death, Lori stupidly creates some of her own problems because she jumps to conclusions and then silently stews about them rather than communicate — you know, as adults do. It’s pretty sad when 12-year-old Nell Harris, Lori’s companion on the journey, is more mature than the alleged adult.

By Chapter 16, readers will know one of the denouements of the novel; it’s obvious enough that tween Nell has noticed. But Lori won’t realize it until the final chapter. Talk about obtuse! Two-thirds of the way through Aunt Dimity’s Good Deed, Lori comes to her senses, and that and the interesting mystery saves this novel from failure. From then on, the novel morphs into something quite charming, and I was engrossed until the last page. Still, the whiny middle really detracted from enjoying the novel, and it wasn't nearly as fun as the first two books in the series.

The synopsis of the fourth book of the series, Aunt Dimity Digs In, makes it sound as if Lori won’t be such a wet blanket. Good thing, too, as I don’t think I’m up to another whine-a-thon. ...more

True love saves the day. But then, if you've read the series up to this point then you'll know that this is the standard for Atherton's Dimity series, so you won't see this as any major spoiler. It's actually fairly standard and one of the things that makes this series so absolutely adorable. It's the love that the characters have for each other (romantic, familial, or friendly) that makes this such a charming read.

If you're someone who is coming into this book without having read the previousTrue love saves the day. But then, if you've read the series up to this point then you'll know that this is the standard for Atherton's Dimity series, so you won't see this as any major spoiler. It's actually fairly standard and one of the things that makes this series so absolutely adorable. It's the love that the characters have for each other (romantic, familial, or friendly) that makes this such a charming read.

If you're someone who is coming into this book without having read the previous two books, then you'll be able to read this without missing too much. It won't be a perfect read, as it'll assume that you're familiar with how Dimity's journal works and the courtship of Lori and Bill, but overall this is like book 2 in that you can read this as a standalone book. I'd recommend that you read the previous two books, as reading this without having read the prior ones would be like eating a piece of fried chicken that someone removed all the delicious crunchy skin from. You could do it, but it'd lose a lot in the process.

The dynamics of this story and character-wise are fairly similar to the prior two books in the series, so don't expect anything too new here. I think that in lesser hands, this would've been a fairly dull read as the mystery and romance are so similar. There are also a lot of Dimity coincidences here, something that will probably also raise an eyebrow from a few readers. It's just that somehow Atherton makes this work and work spectacularly. I finished this fairly quickly, gobbling it down quickly like I thought someone was going to take it away from me.

There's just something about this series that really charms me and I can see why so many people have loved this for so long. I'd definitely recommend this for people looking for a light cozy mystery. But if you weren't charmed by the previous two books, then you'll probably want to give this one a pass. ...more

Willis, Sr., - in very uncharacteristic fashion - has suddenly driven off into the English countryside, leaving behind a very worried and bewildered Lori.

Suspecting he's hatching a scheme to clear out of the Boston mansion and live in England for good, Lori decides there's only one thing to do: catch up to him and convince him he's desperately needed at home. The alternative of leaving her to fend for her self against an absentee husband and a couple of horrible condescending aunts is utterly unWillis, Sr., - in very uncharacteristic fashion - has suddenly driven off into the English countryside, leaving behind a very worried and bewildered Lori.

Suspecting he's hatching a scheme to clear out of the Boston mansion and live in England for good, Lori decides there's only one thing to do: catch up to him and convince him he's desperately needed at home. The alternative of leaving her to fend for her self against an absentee husband and a couple of horrible condescending aunts is utterly unthinkable.

Lori is still brusque and short-tempered. Thankfully, her traveling companion is the quick-witted and intuitive Nell, who is known far and wide for having an incredible knack with people.

Nell's skills are proven beyond valuable when she and Lori continually miss Willis, Sr., at every stop. As they track him, they find themselves embroiled in Willis family mysteries both old and new. Atherton presents a tangling of details, each more curious than the last. She also introduces a large, affable cast, all of whom hold bits and pieces of the big picture.

It's a whirling story involving terrible scandals, family pressures, lost loves, and butterscotch brownies. Lori and Nell make a good team, though I daresay most of the work is handled by the eerily self-possessed child.

The unfolding of secrets kept my attention from start to finish. I enjoyed gathering clues and forming conclusions along with the characters; Atherton allows all the dots to connect on-page so the armchair sleuth feels quite included.

Pinpointing all the signs of Dimity's influence was just as entertaining. It's becoming clear that she helped a vast network of people throughout her life. Through Atherton's stories, all of England will soon be tapped in a massive game of Six Degrees of Dimity Westwood.

Good deed, indeed. This installment was enjoyable only for my love of the characters and the charm of making one believe again in childhood things. Things just got a little too goody-goody this time, even for a cozy. Regardless for my love of Nancy Drew, I don't like to see such fluff in an adult mystery. It reminds me of ND hunting down a clock.No dead bodies this round, just Lori on a ridiculous quest to hunt down her father in law via a long chase. Next time call ahead, Lori, and save a goodGood deed, indeed. This installment was enjoyable only for my love of the characters and the charm of making one believe again in childhood things. Things just got a little too goody-goody this time, even for a cozy. Regardless for my love of Nancy Drew, I don't like to see such fluff in an adult mystery. It reminds me of ND hunting down a clock.No dead bodies this round, just Lori on a ridiculous quest to hunt down her father in law via a long chase. Next time call ahead, Lori, and save a good deal of trouble. ...more

I didn't like this Aunt Dimity book as much as the first two and had a hard time getting into it. That's not to say that it wasn't good but it was just not as good. And what is it with everybody in the book having a stuffed animal that they act like is real?

In this book Lori has been married to Bill Willis for 2 years. She feels that his interest is waning so she plans a second honeymoon at the cottage in Finch, England that Aunt Dimity left to her. Only Bill gets stuck at home trying to unravelI didn't like this Aunt Dimity book as much as the first two and had a hard time getting into it. That's not to say that it wasn't good but it was just not as good. And what is it with everybody in the book having a stuffed animal that they act like is real?

In this book Lori has been married to Bill Willis for 2 years. She feels that his interest is waning so she plans a second honeymoon at the cottage in Finch, England that Aunt Dimity left to her. Only Bill gets stuck at home trying to unravel a case and Lori's father-in-law accompanies her to England instead. Willis Sr promptly gets lost and Lori spends the rest of the book arriving some place an hour after he has left. I did like the British Willis relatives and the genealogy involved. And the character of her young neighbor Nell, was very interesting. Nell needs her own series!...more

I should have made up a family tree at the beginining of this one. As Lori and Nell travel around, meeting Bill's British cousins I got confused as to who was who, but the story was nice - relaxing - interesting. Maybe a tad drawn out but overall quite good. Aunt Dimity's presence adds a unique twist.

I first stumbled across Aunt Dimity at the library one day. The cover of the book (I can't recall which one) jumped out at me and I wrote the title down so I could look into it later. Once I did a little research I happily downloaded "Aunt Dimity's Death" onto my Kindle to read on an airplane. I was instantly charmed. I've slowly been making my way through the books because I like to read them when I feel the need for a simple, comforting story. "Aunt Dimity's Good Deed" did not disappoint. ItI first stumbled across Aunt Dimity at the library one day. The cover of the book (I can't recall which one) jumped out at me and I wrote the title down so I could look into it later. Once I did a little research I happily downloaded "Aunt Dimity's Death" onto my Kindle to read on an airplane. I was instantly charmed. I've slowly been making my way through the books because I like to read them when I feel the need for a simple, comforting story. "Aunt Dimity's Good Deed" did not disappoint. It had all the coziness of the previous books. I especially liked how much Nell was featured in the book; she was delightful. I finished the story quickly, as I always do when it comes to Dimity. Everything was wrapped up nicely at the end, and you were left feeling warm and satisfied. ...more

Thoroughly entertaining look at Lori and Bill's marriage after two years with Bill ending up on one side of the Atlantic and Lori on the other while the celebrate their second honeymoon. For many of us with workaholic husbands, it was all too familiar. As Lori chases her father-in-law all over England, learning what he learns about the English side of his relations just after he does, she is accompanied by 12-year old Nell and her uncanny hunches, and Aunt Dimity's Journal and her otherworldly cThoroughly entertaining look at Lori and Bill's marriage after two years with Bill ending up on one side of the Atlantic and Lori on the other while the celebrate their second honeymoon. For many of us with workaholic husbands, it was all too familiar. As Lori chases her father-in-law all over England, learning what he learns about the English side of his relations just after he does, she is accompanied by 12-year old Nell and her uncanny hunches, and Aunt Dimity's Journal and her otherworldly comments. Great reading. The recipe is Uncle Tom's butterscotch brownies, which I have made dozens of times since I originally read this book and vouch for wholeheartedly. My sister makes them better than I do, so I am still trying to figure out what she does differently. Hers are chewier and moister. Either way, they are delicious. Try them out. My best effort has been to double the recipe and cook them for a little less time. Then they are chewy and moist but still not quite as good as my sister's. Yumm!...more

Marriage is hard. That is what Lori Shepherd has learned in the year since she and Bill (who met and fell in love in book one of the series) have been married. Things in fact are at an all-time low when Lori must embark to her cottage in Finch, England, on what was meant to be her second honeymoon, with her father in law because her husband is too busy working. Almost immediately, her father-in-law disappears and in her pursuit, Lori meets and gets to know the British branch of her husband’s famMarriage is hard. That is what Lori Shepherd has learned in the year since she and Bill (who met and fell in love in book one of the series) have been married. Things in fact are at an all-time low when Lori must embark to her cottage in Finch, England, on what was meant to be her second honeymoon, with her father in law because her husband is too busy working. Almost immediately, her father-in-law disappears and in her pursuit, Lori meets and gets to know the British branch of her husband’s family who are steeped in mystery and dysfunction. So how did it work? Pretty well. My delight with the unexpected deviation from happily ever after that it may have helped me be more tolerant of some of the weaknesses (like the fact that the marital strife is solved too quickly and easily). The big mystery here is what Bill, Sr. is up to but the search for him turns up many other questions some of them going back a couple of centuries. It definitely kept me turning the pages. It manages to stay very light even with the touch of complexity as Lori struggles with her unhappiness in her marriage. All the characters remain very likeable and are reasonably quirky. Basically this filled all my cozy mystery want and needs quite well. This third book in the series may be my favorite yet – so far each successive book has gotten better! 3.5 out of 5 stars...more

I like the Aunt Dimity books, and after reading several, decided to go back to earlier ones that I missed. I like to know the characters. This one took a little while to hook me, but once it did, it read almost too quickly. I enjoyed Lori's trip with Nell, who was just a little girl in Aunt Dimity and the Duke. Nell's brother was in another that I read that takes place later. I had thought I could just pick out a few and be happy, since there were so many and I was just starting, but that didn'tI like the Aunt Dimity books, and after reading several, decided to go back to earlier ones that I missed. I like to know the characters. This one took a little while to hook me, but once it did, it read almost too quickly. I enjoyed Lori's trip with Nell, who was just a little girl in Aunt Dimity and the Duke. Nell's brother was in another that I read that takes place later. I had thought I could just pick out a few and be happy, since there were so many and I was just starting, but that didn't happen. I had to go back. So I probably won't ever get totally caught up with Aunt Dimity, but I will hopefully remember who the characters are in the next book! :)...more

Ok, here it goes....the mystery was very interestingI I loved the way Lori and Nell were sent on a type of scavenger hunt meeting a variety of family members while in search for Lori's father in law. Along the way, given clues by none other than the ghost Aunt Dimity (written and left in her blue journal). The names were a little obnoxious in the fact that they all sounded the same or were the same when it came to the male lineage. The secondary characters, with the exception of one, are all verOk, here it goes....the mystery was very interestingI I loved the way Lori and Nell were sent on a type of scavenger hunt meeting a variety of family members while in search for Lori's father in law. Along the way, given clues by none other than the ghost Aunt Dimity (written and left in her blue journal). The names were a little obnoxious in the fact that they all sounded the same or were the same when it came to the male lineage. The secondary characters, with the exception of one, are all very likable and relative to the story. The stuffed animals don't bother me, in fact, they bring a bit of innocence to the story that I feel is kinda cute and brings out the child in us all. Now, for what I didn't like....Nell was obnoxiously grown up for a 12 year old. Her relationship with Lori was unbelievable in the fact that Lori treated her as an equal and not as a child. At times there were moments when Nell acted as the adult and Lori as the child. I almost stopped reading it just because of this relationship that exist throughout the entire book. I also didn't like the fact that Lori was so willing to throw her marriage away at the drop of a hat. She needs to grow up and realize that marriage Is a 2 way street and it takes work on both ends. May or may not go on to he next in the series....more

I must admit that at first I was a bit disappointed that there don't seem to be dead bodies appearing for exploration of who murdered them. I guess I've gotten used to the dead body, solve crime and mystery mysteries. However, I like these Aunt Dimity mysteries that feature Lori Shepherd and her newly acquired life in the Cotswold village of Finch in what was Aunt Dimity's cottage before she died. Of course, being dead doesn't always mean being gone. And, to be fair, there are some dead bodies lI must admit that at first I was a bit disappointed that there don't seem to be dead bodies appearing for exploration of who murdered them. I guess I've gotten used to the dead body, solve crime and mystery mysteries. However, I like these Aunt Dimity mysteries that feature Lori Shepherd and her newly acquired life in the Cotswold village of Finch in what was Aunt Dimity's cottage before she died. Of course, being dead doesn't always mean being gone. And, to be fair, there are some dead bodies lurking in the past. In this particular book in the series, there is a coming together of the two branches of the Willis family (into which Lori has married), the Boston branch, of which Lori is a part, and the English branch, from which the Boston branch originates. The back story of how the two branches were separated and estranged is one which takes Lori traipsing across England with her friend's 12-year-old step-daughter in pursuit of Lori's father-in-law. The discoveries yielded are both wonderful and painful. Nancy Atherton has created a most engaging world into which I plan to be a frequent visitor. ...more

I can see me reading this entire series if the writing and stories keep this quality. I really like the writing style! It's playful, intelligent and sounding very authentic involving British life. The characters are all great. From the main characters to background ones.

The tenor of the story is certainly flighty and reality needs a bit of suspension to get through the book. The idea that a ghost is floating about has teh reader begging why the ghost doesn't just solve the problem from the startI can see me reading this entire series if the writing and stories keep this quality. I really like the writing style! It's playful, intelligent and sounding very authentic involving British life. The characters are all great. From the main characters to background ones.

The tenor of the story is certainly flighty and reality needs a bit of suspension to get through the book. The idea that a ghost is floating about has teh reader begging why the ghost doesn't just solve the problem from the start. The ending does have an explanation, but I had the same problem with the first of the series I read. I can set that aside due to how charming the story and characters are.

However, the overall story is hardly flighty. it's very involved and not one to be read quickly. I suggest a reader take the time to soak in the beautifully written setting throughout the book. There's such a great hominess about it. You just want to go to wherever author Atherton is writing about and settle in with hot cocoa and a stuffed animal.

Aunt Dimity's Good Deed is the third in the series, written by Nancy Atherton. This is a paranormal cozy mystery featuring the ghost of Aunt Dimity. This one picks up two years after Lori and Bill got married. The marriage has hit a snag, and Lori is miserable living the mansion in Boston. Lori is ready to start a family, but Bill has turned into a workaholic. So, Lori arranges a "second honeymoon". However, Bill has to work, and so Lori and her father in law fly to London together to stay in thAunt Dimity's Good Deed is the third in the series, written by Nancy Atherton. This is a paranormal cozy mystery featuring the ghost of Aunt Dimity. This one picks up two years after Lori and Bill got married. The marriage has hit a snag, and Lori is miserable living the mansion in Boston. Lori is ready to start a family, but Bill has turned into a workaholic. So, Lori arranges a "second honeymoon". However, Bill has to work, and so Lori and her father in law fly to London together to stay in the cottage Lori inherited from Aunt Dimity. But, Willis Sr. goes missing and Aunt Dimity gets involved. All our favorite characters are back, we learn a great deal about Bill's family, and the stage is set for future installments. This series introduced me to "Cozy" mysteries. I always read novels by Rex Stout, Agatha Christie, etc, but not mysteries like these. I was gifted an Aunt Dimity book for Christmas one year, and politely placed it on my shelf. My daughter asked me if I was really going to read that book. I didn't want it to get back to the person that gave me the book, so I told her that I was going to read it. She gave me a long stare and muttered something about it not being the type of book I normally read. Which is true. I'm normally the dark and twisty type. But, I was dusting my shelves one day and saw the book there, and got to worrying about the person that gave me the book asking me if I had enjoyed it or not. So, I took it down and read it. The rest is history. I have quite a cozy mystery collection now. I still love the dark, graphic, gory mysteries I always read, but I enjoy these cozies more and more. So, thank you, Aunt Dimity!...more

I have fallen in love with this series and plan to read all the Aunt Dimity books! This is the second in the series, and the characters are just as delightful in this outing as in the first book.

Lori [Dimity's sort-of niece] has come back to the cottage in England where she first discovered Dimity [who, BTW is dead, and as a benevolent ghost, speaks to Lori and gives her advice by writing in a special journal the writing of which only Lori can see].

Lori has lost her father-in-law who's come withI have fallen in love with this series and plan to read all the Aunt Dimity books! This is the second in the series, and the characters are just as delightful in this outing as in the first book.

Lori [Dimity's sort-of niece] has come back to the cottage in England where she first discovered Dimity [who, BTW is dead, and as a benevolent ghost, speaks to Lori and gives her advice by writing in a special journal the writing of which only Lori can see].

Lori has lost her father-in-law who's come with her to England while Lori's work-a-holic husband is back in Boston. Bill is traipsing all over England searching out the truth about his family who have a branch in England, and may be in grave danger! So Lori, and the preternaturally clever and insightful 12-year-old daughter of Lori's friend in the neighbouring cottage, Emma go tearing after Bill to try to save him from whatever evil forces are involved.

This is an absolutely charming and fun-filled romp! There are disguises, double-crossing baddies, good relatives, bad relatives, stolen artifacts, and all manner of other themes that wouldn't be out of place in a Charlie Chan movie! I recommend it!!...more

I just hated this book. I read the description before committing to it, about a mystery solving woman who receives clues from beyond the grave from her Aunt Dimity. I thought, "Chaz, why not take a walk on the wild side, like the old song says?" Well, I'll tell you what, now I know why I always order the exact same dessert from Dairy Queen, why I always watch the same 3 or 4 tv shows every night, and so on.

I HATED this book. All the characters have these stuffed animals they tote around with thI just hated this book. I read the description before committing to it, about a mystery solving woman who receives clues from beyond the grave from her Aunt Dimity. I thought, "Chaz, why not take a walk on the wild side, like the old song says?" Well, I'll tell you what, now I know why I always order the exact same dessert from Dairy Queen, why I always watch the same 3 or 4 tv shows every night, and so on.

I HATED this book. All the characters have these stuffed animals they tote around with them, dressed differently each day. In fact, with every scene change, the author persecutes the reader with a description of what outfits each character is clad in at that juncture - I mean, who gives a flying you-know-what? And how many characters in this multi-generational family tree traversing both sides of the "pond" (the Atlantic Ocean) have names derived from William? There's Bill, Sr., Bill Jr., Williston, all with last name Willis. I mean, what's wrong with a Deion here and there?

I struggled to finish this book, and want to charge the author for the time I lost reading this. Avoid this book, at all costs....more

The third Aunt Dimity book! And I LOVE IT! The Aunt Dimity books stole my heart. They are fun, a quick read, light-hearted and family filled mystery. The wild chase that Lori and Nell have searching for Willis Sr. is a great read and they are truly having an adventure meeting all of the people on the British side of the family. There is no real murder mystery, but that's okay. These books are all for a good and a love conquers all feeling. I loved reading about all of the cousins on the BritishThe third Aunt Dimity book! And I LOVE IT! The Aunt Dimity books stole my heart. They are fun, a quick read, light-hearted and family filled mystery. The wild chase that Lori and Nell have searching for Willis Sr. is a great read and they are truly having an adventure meeting all of the people on the British side of the family. There is no real murder mystery, but that's okay. These books are all for a good and a love conquers all feeling. I loved reading about all of the cousins on the British family side. All of them have something unique, yet they also all have something the same.

Of course Aunt Dimity also makes sure Lori knows she is there with her and Willis Sr. It is fun to read these messages Aunt Dimity sends Lori and the conversations they have in the journal. The whole revelation on why Willis Sr. went on his family hunt was greatly written. Also Lori's workaholic husband learns his lesson and they get a, somewhat expected when you start the book, surprise. ...more

I'm not sure if this is just better than the other Aunt Dimity book I read or if this series is growing on me, but I enjoyed it more and found the plot less contrived. The whole device of having a dead "aunt" who communicates by writing is more integral to the plot this time, whereas in the other one I read it felt really forced and tacked on to the story. You can see most of the plot developments coming a mile away, but it's a pleasant and entertaining read.

I found this book so irritatingly flawed that it will be difficult to explain what I liked about it. Here goes:

Atherton's supporting cast is full of fun characters I like, which somewhat makes up for how much I can't stand the main character.

Atherton's relatively quick storytelling style makes up for the giant reality-holes in the novel's fabric. (No, I do not expect a story featuring a ghost to be perfectly realistic, but this one is full of the "Why didn't they just Google it?" type of questioI found this book so irritatingly flawed that it will be difficult to explain what I liked about it. Here goes:

Atherton's supporting cast is full of fun characters I like, which somewhat makes up for how much I can't stand the main character.

Atherton's relatively quick storytelling style makes up for the giant reality-holes in the novel's fabric. (No, I do not expect a story featuring a ghost to be perfectly realistic, but this one is full of the "Why didn't they just Google it?" type of question. I can't say more without spoiling what isn't really a surprise. If you want to get picky with me, I'll acknowledge that they did Google plenty of things.)

Anyway, I don't like Lori. I like Nell, but she is not a character I can take seriously; she is more like a plot device. I do like how the plot worked out. I do like the recipe at the back of the book, even though I burned it dreadfully....more

I liked it, but as it came to a close, I felt as if Willis, Sr. had never really been in danger at all. It hinted at a great catastrophe or other reason for reading, but I felt as if it would have a similar (if not the same outcome), if Lori had stayed home and helped Emma harvest her peppers and runner beans.... Perhaps it would have been better told from Willis, Sr.'s perspective.

I enjoyed this 3rd book in the Aunt Dimity series. Lori, the main character, and her 12 y.o. friend Nell traverse England looking for Lori's missing father-in-law. This was supposed to be Lori's 2nd honeymoon with her husband, but he's stuck back in the U.S. As with the other books in the series, there's enough mystery to keep you interested but without the violence of many novels. All of the books in this series include a recipe at the end for something that has been consumed in the story. In tI enjoyed this 3rd book in the Aunt Dimity series. Lori, the main character, and her 12 y.o. friend Nell traverse England looking for Lori's missing father-in-law. This was supposed to be Lori's 2nd honeymoon with her husband, but he's stuck back in the U.S. As with the other books in the series, there's enough mystery to keep you interested but without the violence of many novels. All of the books in this series include a recipe at the end for something that has been consumed in the story. In this case I decided to try the recipe for butterscotch brownies, which Aunt Dimity had had since WWII. Well, they were very, very tasty but either the oven was too hot, the 8X8 pan really needed to be the 9X9 called for, or something because the edges were extremely crispy and the rest of the brownie a little too moist. I'm going to experiment with different oven temps....more

I've become totally enamored of Aunt Dimity and her posthumous adventures. So far the mysteries in this delightful series are not the usual find dead body and ferret out who done it. This story had Lori following her missing father in law all over England searching for answers to a 300 year old mystery of why twin sons ended up on different continents and meanwhile finding contemporary family members he and his son never knew they had. Loved it!

Nancy Atherton is not a white-haired Englishwoman with a softly wrinkled face, a wry smile, and wise gray eyes, nor does she live in a thatched cottage behind a babbling brook in a tranquil, rural corner of the Cotswolds.

She has never taken tea with a vicar (although she drank an Orange Squash with one once) and she doesn't plan to continue writing after her allotted time on earth (though such plaNancy Atherton is not a white-haired Englishwoman with a softly wrinkled face, a wry smile, and wise gray eyes, nor does she live in a thatched cottage behind a babbling brook in a tranquil, rural corner of the Cotswolds.

She has never taken tea with a vicar (although she drank an Orange Squash with one once) and she doesn't plan to continue writing after her allotted time on earth (though such plans are, as well all know, subject to change without notice).

If you prefer to envision her as an Englishwoman, she urges you to cling to your illusions at all costs -- she treasures carefully nurtured illusions. She also urges you to read no further.

Because the truth is that Nancy Atherton is a dark-haired American with a generally unwrinkled face, a beaming smile, and hazel eyes, who lives in a plain house in Colorado Springs. She comes from a large, gregarious family (five brothers and two sisters!) and enjoys socializing as much as she enjoys solitude.

So if you are looking for her at a convention, don't look for a stately grande dame in a flowery dress. Look for a woman in jeans and sneakers who's bounding around like a hyperactive gerbil.